Dispel your dandruff

Dandruff is a common problem. It is often embarrassing and annoying. Many suffer round the year and it often turns worse during winter.

Some facts regarding the problem should be remembered:
1. Many think dandruff is dead skin flakes. Actually, dandruff is caused by infestation of a fungus, seborrheic dermatitis. A white dry scale formed over the skin gets powdered and spreads within the hair. The skin turns itchy.
2. Many mistake dandruff as dirt and try to clean it every day by rubbing. This are not dirt. It is actually an infection.
3. Dandruff can occur in eyebrows, on the chest and nose areas. Some may find their throat swollen too.
4. One of the chief reasons for hair fall is dandruff. If steps are not taken the infection can turn complicated.
5. Anyone can suffer from dandruff. It is more frequent in oily skins. It is contagious.
What to do
Apply anti-dandruff shampoo two to three times a week. Let the shampoo stay on your skin five to ten minutes before cleansing with water. This shampoo can dry your skin and hair too. Several shampoos nowadays contain hair softener. If shampoos fail, take your physician's advice for medication.
* Dr Md. Asifuzzaman is a dermatologist at Green Life Medical College in Dhaka.